Katrina Kaye
Time whispers
a voice honeyed jasmine
thick with moss.
She has grown old
against the evening sun,
enveloped in the dust of dusk.
In the reflection
of stagnant pools,
she doesn’t ripple.
Merely notes
the landmarks of her face,
the constancy of her mind.
Time staggers forward.
“Mare” is previously published in My Woven Poetry (2021), Roi Faineant Literary Press (2021), and Flare (2022).
Katrina Kaye
Red nail polish splattered
against the black and gold circular pattern;
he hardly noticed.
A small bit of wax
from a candle lit,
living room picnic
melted in the middle.
He complained when he felt
the hard wax against bare feet,
but the damage seemed minute.
A black trail smeared
from the grease on my soles.
No matter how he yelled,
I couldn’t scrub it clean
or remember to leave my shoes at the door.
The corner tore during a fight
over dishes, laundry, and unhappiness.
I pushed him;
he pushed back.
The turning point was
Friday night’s Christmas party.
He was taking body shots
off the blonde in the kitchen.
I was kissing my ex on the back porch.
Neither noticed the overturned chest
leaking Merlot and merriment into a thick puddle.
The water dried, but the stain hovered.
On Saturday afternoon,
we stood on either side,
not facing, eyes downward,
and rolled it slowly up.
We placed it on the curb,
next to the VA donations
and recycling, certain someone
would pick it up.
“How I Ruined Your Persian Rug” is previously published in A Scattering of Imperfections (2009).
Katrina Kaye
On Sunday’s pallid morning
I made you a god.
From crimson ribbon,
brass keys, and palm leaves,
I created wings and told you
to fly towards the sea
like Icarus’s ghost.
You smiled at me,
your hopeful father,
yet transmitted exasperation
with empty eyes
and tired sighs.
Bowing to you,
I sent you off
into the waking dawn,
down Mykali’s beach,
searching for a new beginning
through doors
left accidentally open.
“Open Doors” is previously published in a Shadow Poetry and A Scattering of Imperfections (2009).
Chasing Rabbits 
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